PWA World Cup 2010: Day 1 In Costa Brava, Spain

With better wind conditions than in Korea, the 2010 PWA World Cup is off to a great start in Costa Brava, Spain. Finally, Björn Dunkerbeck shows us the good old Björn we remember.

On Day 1 of the 2010 PWA World Cup in Costa Brava, Spain, Bjorn Dunkerbeck and Valerie Arrighetti have taken the lead in the respective men's and women's divisions.

Female windsurfing star Valerie Arrighetti was able to make a return after missing out on the competition in Korea.

“I didn’t go to Korea because of some personal problems," explained Valerie Arrighetti. "So it was important for me to come here and perform well, both for my sponsors and for myself."

Both the men's and women's divisions were able to complete a first elimination in Costa Brava and the men started a second elimination until the sun set and the wind died down.

Bjorn Dunkerbeck's excellent performance on day 1 of the 2010 PWA World Cup was reminiscent of his race winning days in the 80s and 90s. Dunkerbeck was victorious over the Korea's winner, Antoine Albeau, plus he won every single heat he sailed.

“I felt good all day long," said Dunkerbeck "I won every single one of my heats, and my semi-final by a really long way. I had a great top speed, and no problems coming out of the gybes either."

The final had all of the spectators holding their breath as Björn Dunkerbeck and Antoine Albeau battled it out. Dunkerbeck held back at first, but his superior board allowed him to eventually pass Albeau. Albeau was right on his tail and waiting for any mistake that would let him overcome Dunkerbeck.

Dunkerbeck kept his cool and gave Albeau no opportunity to pass.

"In the final I went for a safe start because I didn’t want to push it too much," said Bjorn Dunkerbeck. "I had excellent speed down the first leg and managed to get ahead of both Cyril Moussilmani and Antoine by the first mark. I pretty much took off from there."

The ultimate battle on the women's side of the competition was in heat two. Rivals, Karin Jaggi and Valerie Arrighetti faced of from the start and Arrighetti put on a spectacular show with great speed on sails that she was using for the first time.

Jaggi fought hard, but it wasn't enough aginst the 2009 World Champion.

"It’s great for me to be where I am, and I’m looking forward to getting on the water tomorrow, and trying to win again,” said Arrighetti.

More exciting windsurfing to come on day 2 of the 2010 PWA World Cup in Costa Brava, Spain.

New comment